Feature Thriller!
Mon 28 Aug 2023
WINNER 79 OF 2023: THE GATEKEEPER, trained by Charlie Johnston and ridden by Rossa Ryan: The £50,000 Class 2 'City of Chichester Handicap' over 1m at Goodwood.
Making a quick return after running in the Class 2 at the York Ebor Festival 3 days ago, he lined up in the feature race, with Rossa looking for a double, having taken the previous contest.
From the start, he raced prominently in second, joining the leader, Thunder Ball over 1f out. The two were unchallenged as they headed to the line, to fight out the finish. Carried left in the final 110yds, it was heads up, heads down on the line. Although he finished 2nd by a nose, after a Stewards Enquiry, he was placed 1st. There were cheers as the announcement was made!
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/results/uk/461106-goodwood/27-Aug-2023/1645
Timeform rated it as a career best 104 performance, saying: "Strong in the betting, turned out again quickly, produced a career best, registering a third win of the season with the help of the stewards; chased leader, challenged over 1f out, carried left inside final 1f, battled well, awarded race.”
Read The Racing Post story, here: https://www.racingpost.com/news/reports/im-sure-they-got-it-right-the-gatekeeper-handed-feature-win-after-lengthy-stewards-inquiry-aGibV4Y47pxU/
Syndicate manager Mike says: "Congratulations to his owners on another fine win and taking his career earnings to £115,000. That finish was so tight and although it took a whlle for the race to be reviewed we were glad that he got awarded the win by the stewards, as there was just a nose in it at the end. He has had a fine year and Charlie and his team have kept him in fine fettle, putting in a career best yesterday. ”